Whereas certain turbulent and disorderly persons, pretending thatElisha Baxter, the present executive of Arkansas, was not elected, havecombined together with force and arms to resist his authority as suchexecutive and other authorities of said State; and

Whereas said Elisha Baxter has been declared duly elected by the generalassembly of said State, as provided in the constitution thereof, and hasfor a long period been exercising the functions of said office, intowhich he was inducted according to the constitution and laws of saidState, and ought by its citizens to be considered as the lawfulexecutive thereof; and

Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United States that theUnited States shall protect every State in the Union, on application ofthe legislature, or of the executive when the legislature can not beconvened, against domestic violence; and

Whereas said Elisha Baxter, under section 4 of Article IV of theConstitution of the United States and the laws passed in pursuancethereof, has heretofore made application to me to protect said Stateand the citizens thereof against domestic violence; and

Whereas the general assembly of said State was convened in extrasession at the capital thereof on the 11th instant, pursuant to a callmade by said Elisha Baxter, and both houses thereof have passed a jointresolution also applying to me to protect the State against domesticviolence; and

Whereas it is provided in the laws of the United States that inall cases of insurrection in any State or of obstruction to the lawsthereof it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, onapplication of the legislature of such State, or of the executive whenthe legislature can not be convened, to employ such part of the land andnaval forces as shall be judged necessary for the purpose of suppressingsuch insurrection or causing the laws to be duly executed; and

Whereas it is required that whenever it may be necessary, in thejudgment of the President, to use the military force for the purposeaforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command such insurgentsto disperse and retire peaceably to their respective homes within alimited time:

Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States,do hereby make proclamation and command all turbulent and disorderlypersons to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodeswithin ten days from this date, and hereafter to submit themselvesto the lawful authority of said executive and the other constitutedauthorities of said State; and I invoke the aid and cooperation ofall good citizens thereof to uphold law and preserve public peace.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal ofthe United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 15th day of May, A.D. 1874, and ofthe Independence of the United States the ninety-eighth.

[SEAL.]

U.S. GRANT.

By the President: HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas by the thirty-third article of a treaty concluded at Washingtonon the 8th day of May, 1871, between the United States and Her BritannicMajesty, it was provided that--

Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXX of this treaty shalltake effect as soon as the laws required to carry them into operationshall have been passed by the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain,by the parliament of Canada, and by the legislature of Prince EdwardsIsland on the one hand, and by the Congress of the United States onthe other.

And whereas it is provided by Article XXXII of the treaty aforesaidthat--

The provisions and stipulations of Articles XVIII to XXV of this treaty, inclusive, shall extend to the colony of Newfoundland so far as they are applicable. But if the Imperial Parliament, the legislature of Newfoundland, or the Congress of the United States shall not embrace the colony of Newfoundland in their laws enacted for carrying the foregoing articles into effect, then this article shall be of no effect; but the omission to make provision by law to give it effect, by either of the legislative bodies aforesaid, shall not in any way impair any other articles of this treaty.

And whereas by the second section of an act entitled "An act to carryinto effect the provisions of the treaty between the United States andGreat Britain signed in the city of Washington the 8th day of May,1871, relating to the fisheries," it is provided--

That whenever the colony of Newfoundland shall give its consent to the application of the stipulations and provisions of the said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth of said treaty, inclusive, to that colony, and the legislature thereof and the Imperial Parliament shall pass the necessary laws for that purpose, the above-enumerated articles, being the produce of the fisheries of the colony of Newfoundland, shall be admitted into the United States free of duty from and after the date of a proclamation by the President of the United States declaring that he has satisfactory evidence that the said colony of Newfoundland has consented, in a due and proper manner, to have the provisions of the said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, of the said treaty extended to it, and to allow the United States the full benefits of all the stipulations therein contained, and shall be so admitted free of duty so long as the said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, and article thirtieth of said treaty shall remain in force according to the terms and conditions of article thirty-third of said treaty.

And whereas the Secretary of State of the United States and HerBritannic Majesty's envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary atWashington have recorded in a protocol of a conference held by them atthe Department of State in Washington on the 28th day of May, 1874, inthe following language:

PROTOCOL OF A CONFERENCE HELD AT WASHINGTON ON THE 28TH DAY OF MAY,1874.

Whereas it is provided by Article XXXII of the treaty between theUnited States of America and Her Majesty the Queen of the UnitedKingdom of Great Britain and Ireland signed at Washington on the8th of May, 1871, as follows:

"ARTICLE XXXII.

"It is further agreed that the provisions and stipulations of ArticlesXVIII to XXV of this treaty, inclusive, shall extend to the colonyof Newfoundland so far as they are applicable. But if the ImperialParliament, the legislature of Newfoundland, or the Congress of theUnited States shall not embrace the colony of Newfoundland in theirlaws enacted for carrying the foregoing articles into effect, then thisarticle shall be of no effect; but the omission to make provision bylaw to give it effect, by either of the legislative bodies aforesaid,shall not in any way impair any other articles of this treaty;" and

Whereas an act was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives ofthe United States of America in Congress assembled, and approved on the1st day of March, 1873, by the President of the United States, entitled"An act to carry into effect the provisions of the treaty between theUnited States and Great Britain signed in the city of Washington the8th of May, 1871, relating to fisheries," by which act it is provided:

"SEC. 2. That whenever the colony of Newfoundland shall give itsconsent to the application of the stipulations and provisions of thesaid articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth of said treaty, inclusive, tothat colony, and the legislature thereof and the Imperial Parliamentshall pass the necessary laws for that purpose, the above-enumeratedarticles, being the produce of the fisheries of the colony ofNewfoundland, shall be admitted into the United States free of dutyfrom and after the date of a proclamation by the President of theUnited States declaring that he has satisfactory evidence that the saidcolony of Newfoundland has consented, in a due and proper manner, tohave the provisions of the said articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth,inclusive, of the said treaty extended to it, and to allow the UnitedStates the full benefits of all the stipulations therein contained,and shall be so admitted free of duty so long as the said articleseighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, and article thirtieth of saidtreaty shall remain in force according to the terms and conditions ofarticle thirty-third of said treaty;" and

Whereas an act was passed by the governor, legislative council, andassembly of Newfoundland, in legislative session convened, in thethirty-seventh year of Her Majesty's reign, and assented to by HerMajesty on the 12th day of May, 1874, intituled "An act to carry intoeffect the provisions of the treaty of Washington as far as they relateto this colony:"

The undersigned, Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the UnitedStates, and the Right Hon. Sir Edward Thornton, one of Her Majesty'smost honorable privy council, knight commander of the most honorableOrder of the Bath, Her Britannic Majesty's envoy extraordinary andminister plenipotentiary to the United States of America, dulyauthorized for this purpose by their respective Governments, having mettogether at Washington, and having found that the laws required tocarry the Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Articles XXX and XXXIIof the treaty aforesaid into operation have been passed by the Congressof the United States on the one part, and by the Imperial Parliament ofGreat Britain, by the parliament of Canada, and by the legislature ofPrince Edwards Island and the legislature of Newfoundland on the other,hereby declare that Articles XVIII to XXV, inclusive, and Article XXXof the treaty between the United States of America and Her BritannicMajesty shall take effect in accordance with Article XXXIII of saidtreaty between the citizens of the United States of America and HerMajesty's subjects in the colony of Newfoundland on the 1st day ofJune next.

In witness whereof the undersigned have signed this protocol and havehereunto affixed their seals.

Done in duplicate at Washington, this 28th day of May, 1874.

[SEAL.] HAMILTON FISH.

[SEAL.] EDWD. THORNTON.

Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States ofAmerica, in pursuance of the premises, do hereby declare that I havereceived satisfactory evidence that the Imperial Parliament of GreatBritain and the legislature of Newfoundland have passed laws on theirpart to give full effect to the provisions of the said treaty ascontained in articles eighteenth to twenty-fifth, inclusive, andarticle thirtieth of said treaty.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal ofthe United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 29th day of May, A.D. 1874, and ofthe Independence of the United States of America the ninety-eighth.

[SEAL.]

U.S. GRANT.

By the President: HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it has been satisfactorily represented to me that turbulentand disorderly persons have combined together with force and arms tooverthrow the State government of Louisiana and to resist the laws andconstituted authorities of said State; and

Whereas it is provided in the Constitution of the United Statesthat the United States shall protect every State in this Union,on application of the legislature, or of the executive when thelegislature can not be convened, against domestic violence; and

Whereas it is provided in the laws of the United States that in allcases of insurrection in any State or of obstruction to the lawsthereof it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, onapplication of the legislature of such State, or of the executive whenthe legislature can not be convened, to call forth the militia of anyother State or States, or to employ such part of the land and navalforces as shall be judged necessary, for the purpose of suppressingsuch insurrection or causing the laws to be duly executed; and

Whereas the legislature of said State is not now in session and can notbe convened in time to meet the present emergency, and the executive ofsaid State, under section 4 of Article IV of the Constitution of theUnited States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof, has thereforemade application to me for such part of the military force of theUnited States as may be necessary and adequate to protect said Stateand the citizens thereof against domestic violence and to enforce thedue execution of the laws; and

Whereas it is required that whenever it may be necessary, in thejudgment of the President, to use the military force for the purposeaforesaid, he shall forthwith, by proclamation, command such insurgentsto disperse and retire peaceably to their respective homes within alimited time:

Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States,do hereby make proclamation and command said turbulent and disorderlypersons to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodeswithin five days from this date, and hereafter to submit themselves tothe laws and constituted authorities of said State; and I invoke theaid and cooperation of all good citizens thereof to uphold law andpreserve the public peace.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal ofthe United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 15th day of September, A.D. 1874,and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-ninth.

[SEAL.]

U.S. GRANT.

By the President: HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

We are reminded by the changing seasons that it is time to pause in ourdaily avocations and offer thanks to Almighty God for the mercies andabundance of the year which is drawing to a close.

The blessings of free government continue to be vouchsafed to us; theearth has responded to the labor of the husbandman; the land has beenfree from pestilence; internal order is being maintained, and peacewith other powers has prevailed.

It is fitting that at stated periods we should cease from ouraccustomed pursuits and from the turmoil of our daily lives and unitein thankfulness for the blessings of the past and in the cultivation ofkindly feelings toward each other.

Now, therefore, recognizing these considerations, I, Ulysses S. Grant,President of the United States, do recommend to all citizens toassemble in their respective places of worship on Thursday, the 26thday of November next, and express their thanks for the mercy and favorof Almighty God, and, laying aside all political contentions and allsecular occupations, to observe such day as a day of rest,thanksgiving, and praise.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal ofthe United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 27th day of October, A.D. 1874,and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-ninth.

[SEAL.]

U.S. GRANT.

By the President: HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, pursuant to the second section of the act of Congress approvedthe 23d of March last, entitled "An act to authorize the President toaccept for citizens of the United States the jurisdiction of certaintribunals in the Ottoman dominions and Egypt, established or to beestablished under the authority of the Sublime Porte and of theGovernment of Egypt," the President is authorized, for the benefit ofAmerican citizens residing in the Turkish dominions, to accept therecent law of the Ottoman Porte ceding the right of foreignerspossessing immovable property in said dominions; and

Whereas, pursuant to the authority thus in me vested, I have authorizedGeorge H. Boker, accredited as minister resident of the United Statesto the Ottoman Porte, to sign on behalf of this Government the protocolaccepting the law aforesaid of the said Ottoman Porte, which protocoland law are, word for word, as follows:

[Translation.]

The United States of America and His Majesty the Sultan being desirousto establish by a special act the agreement entered upon between themregarding the admission of American citizens to the right of holdingreal estate granted to foreigners by the law promulgated on the 7th ofSepher, 1284 (January 18, 1867), have authorized:

The President of the United States of America, George H. Boker,minister resident of the United States of America near the SublimePorte, and

His Imperial Majesty the Sultan, His Excellency A. Aarifi Pasha, hisminister of foreign affairs, to sign the protocol which follows:

PROTOCOL.

The law granting foreigners the right of holding real estate does notinterfere with the immunities specified by the treaties, and which willcontinue to protect the person and the movable property of foreignerswho may become owners of real estate.

As the exercise of this right of possessing real property may induceforeigners to establish themselves in larger numbers in the OttomanEmpire, the Imperial Government thinks it proper to anticipate and toprevent the difficulties to which the application of this law may giverise in certain localities. Such is the object of the arrangementswhich follow:

The domicile of any person residing upon the Ottoman soil beinginviolable, and as no one can enter it without the consent of theowner, except by virtue of orders emanating from competent authorityand with the assistance of the magistrate or functionary invested withthe necessary powers, the residence of foreigners is inviolable on thesame principle, in conformity with the treaties, and the agents of thepublic force can not enter it without the assistance of the consul orof the delegate of the consul of the power on which the foreignerdepends.

By residence we understand the house of inhabitation and itsdependencies; that is to say, the outhouses, courts, gardens, andneighboring inclosures, to the exclusion of all other parts of theproperty.

In the localities distant by less than nine hours' journey from theconsular residence, the agents of the public force can not enter theresidence of a foreigner without the assistance of a consul, as wasbefore said.

On his part the consul is bound to give his immediate assistance to thelocal authority so as not to let six hours elapse between the momentwhich he may be informed and the moment of his departure or thedeparture of his delegate, so that the action of the authorities maynever be suspended more than twenty-four hours.

In the localities distant by nine hours or more than nine hours oftravel from the residence of the consular agent, the agents of thepublic force may, on the request of the local authority, and with theassistance of three members of the council of the elders of the commune,enter into the residence of a foreigner without being assisted by theconsular agent, but only in case of urgency and for the search and theproof of the crime of murder, of attempt at murder, of incendiarism, ofarmed robbery either with infraction or by night in an inhabited house,of armed rebellion, and of the fabrication of counterfeit money; andthis entry may be made whether the crime was committed by a foreigner orby an Ottoman subject, and whether it took place in the residence of aforeigner or not in his residence, or in any other place.

These regulations are not applicable but to the parts of the real estatewhich constitute the residence, as it has been heretofore defined.

Beyond the residence the action of the police shall be exercised freelyand without reserve; but in case a person charged with crime or offenseshould be arrested, and the accused shall be a foreigner, the immunitiesattached to his person shall be observed in respect to him.

The functionary or the officer charged with the accomplishment of adomiciliary visit in the exceptional circumstances determined before,and the members of the council of elders who shall assist him, will beobliged to make out a _proces verbal_ of the domiciliary visit and tocommunicate it immediately to the superior authority under whosejurisdiction they are, and the latter shall transmit it to the nearestconsular agent without delay.

A special regulation will be promulgated by the Sublime Porte todetermine the mode of action of the local police in the several casesprovided heretofore.

In localities more distant than nine hours' travel from the residenceof the consular agent, in which the law of the judicial organizationof the _velayet_ may be in force, foreigners shall be tried without theassistance of the consular delegate by the council of elders fulfillingthe function of justices of the peace, and by the tribunal of thecanton, as well for actions not exceeding 1,000 piasters as for offensesentailing a fine of 500 piasters only at the maximum.

Foreigners shall have in any case the right of appeal to the tribunal ofthe arrondissement against the judgments issued as above stated, and theappeal shall be followed and judged with the assistance of the consul inconformity with the treaties.

The appeal shall always suspend the execution of a sentence.

In all cases the forcible execution of the judgments, issued on theconditions determined heretofore, shall not take place without thecooperation of the consul or of his delegate.

The Imperial Government will enact a law which shall determine the rulesof procedure to be observed by the parties in the application of thepreceding regulations.

Foreigners, in whatever locality they may be, may freely submitthemselves to the jurisdiction of the council of elders or of thetribunal of the canton without the assistance of the consul in caseswhich do not exceed the competency of these councils or tribunals,reserving always the right of appeal before the tribunal of thearrondissement, where the case may be brought and tried with theassistance of the consul or his delegate.

The consent of a foreigner to be tried as above stated, without theassistance of his consul, shall always be given in writing and inadvance of all procedure.

It is well understood that all these restrictions do not concern caseswhich have for their object questions of real estate, which shall betried and determined under the conditions established by the law.

The right of defense and the publicity of the hearings shall be assuredin all cases to foreigners who may appear before the Ottoman tribunals,as well as to Ottoman subjects.

The preceding dispositions shall remain in force until the revision ofthe ancient treaties, a revision which the Sublime Porte reserves toitself the right to bring about hereafter by an understanding between itand the friendly powers.

In witness whereof the respective plenipotentiaries have signed theprotocol and have affixed thereto their seals.

Done at Constantinople the 11th of August, 1874.

[SEAL.] (Signed) A. AARIFI.

[SEAL.] (Signed) GEO. H. BOKER.

[Translation.]

LAW CONCEDING TO FOREIGNERS THE RIGHT OF HOLDING REAL ESTATE IN THEOTTOMAN EMPIRE.

Imperial Rescript.--Let it be done in conformity with the contents.7 Sepher, 1284 (January 18, 1867).

With the object of developing the prosperity of the country, to put anend to the difficulties, to the abuses, and to the uncertainties whichhave arisen on the subject of the right of foreigners to hold propertyin the Ottoman Empire, and to complete, in accordance with a preciseregulation, the safeguards which are due to financial interests and toadministrative action, the following legislative enactments have beenpromulgated by the order of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan:

ARTICLE I. Foreigners are admitted by the same privilege as Ottomansubjects, and without any other restriction, to enjoy the right ofholding real estate, whether in the city or the country, throughout theEmpire, with the exception of the Province of the Hedjaz, by submittingthemselves to the laws and the regulations which govern Ottoman subjectsas is hereafter stated.

This arrangement does not concern subjects of Ottoman birth who havechanged their nationality, who shall be governed in this matter by aspecial law.

ART. II. Foreigners, proprietors of real estate in town or in country,are in consequence placed upon terms of equality with Ottoman subjectsin all things that concern their landed property.

The legal effect of this equality is--

First. To oblige them to conform to all the laws and regulations of thepolice or of the municipality which govern at present or may governhereafter the enjoyment, the transmission, the alienation, and thehypothecation of landed property.

Second. To pay all charges and taxes, under whatever form ordenomination they may be, that are levied, or may be levied hereafter,upon city or country property.

Third. To render them directly amenable to the Ottoman civil tribunalsin all questions relating to landed property and in all real actions,whether as plaintiffs or as defendants, even when either party is aforeigner. In short, they are in all things to hold real estate by thesame title, on the same condition, and under the same forms as Ottomanowners, and without being able to avail themselves of their personalnationality, except under the reserve of the immunities attached totheir persons and their movable goods, according to the treaties.

ART. III. In case of the bankruptcy of a foreigner possessing realestate, the assignees of the bankrupt may apply to the authorities andto the Ottoman civil tribunals requiring the sale of the real estatepossessed by the bankrupt, and which by its nature and according to lawis responsible for the debts of the owner.

The same course shall be followed when a foreigner shall have obtainedagainst another foreigner owning real estate a judgment of condemnationbefore a foreign tribunal.

For the execution of this judgment against the real estate of his debtorhe shall apply to the competent Ottoman authorities in order to obtainthe sale of that real estate which is responsible for the debts of theowner; and this judgment shall be executed by the Ottoman authoritiesand tribunals only after they have decided that the real estate of whichthe sale is required really belongs to the category of that propertywhich may be sold for the payment of debt.

ART. IV. Foreigners have the privilege to dispose, by donation or bytestament, of that real estate of which such disposition is permittedby law.

As to that real estate of which they may not have disposed or of whichthe law does not permit them to dispose by gift or testament, itssuccession shall be governed in accordance with Ottoman law.

ART. V. All foreigners shall enjoy the privileges of the present law assoon as the powers on which they depend shall agree to the arrangementsproposed by the Sublime Porte for the exercise of the right to hold realestate.

Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of theUnited States of America, have caused the said protocol and law to bemade public for the information and guidance of citizens of the UnitedStates.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal ofthe United States to be affixed.

[SEAL.]

Done at the city of Washington, this 29th day of October, A.D. 1874, andof the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-ninth.

U.S. GRANT.

By the President: HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

EXECUTIVE ORDER.

WASHINGTON, _January 23, 1874_.

Whereas it has been brought to the notice of the President of the UnitedStates that in the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, andProducts of the Soil and Mine to be held in the city of Philadelphiain the year 1876 for the purpose of celebrating the one hundredthanniversary of the independence of the United States it is desirablethat from the Executive Departments of the Government of the UnitedStates in which there may be articles suitable for the purpose intendedthere should appear such articles and materials as will, when presentedin a collective exhibition, illustrate the functions and administrativefaculties of the Government in time of peace and its resources as a warpower, and thereby serve to demonstrate the nature of our institutionsand their adaptations to the wants of the people:

Now, for the purpose of securing a complete and harmonious arrangementof the articles and materials designed to be exhibited from theExecutive Departments of the Government, it is ordered that a boardto be composed of one person to be named by the head of each of theExecutive Departments which may have articles and materials to beexhibited, and also of one person to be named in behalf of theSmithsonian Institution and one to be named in behalf of the Departmentof Agriculture, be charged with the preparation, arrangement, andsafe-keeping of such articles and materials as the heads of the severalDepartments and the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Director of theSmithsonian Institution may respectively decide shall be embraced in thecollection; that one of the persons thus named, to be designated by thePresident, shall be chairman of such board, and that the board appointfrom their own number such other officers as they may think necessary;and that the said board when organized be authorized, under thedirection of the President, to confer with the executive officers of theCentennial Exhibition in relation to such matters connected with thesubject as may pertain to the respective Departments having articlesand materials on exhibition; and that the names of the persons thusselected by the heads of the several Departments, the Commissioner ofAgriculture, and the Director of the Smithsonian Institution shall besubmitted to the President for designation.

By order of the President: HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 22.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

_Washington, March 9, 1874_.

I. The following order has been received from the President of theUnited States:

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, March 9, 1874_.

It is with deep regret that the President announces to the people ofthe United States the death of Millard Fillmore, one of his honoredpredecessors, who died at Buffalo, N.Y., last evening.

The long-continued and useful public service and eminent purity ofcharacter of the deceased ex-President will be remembered beyond thedays of mourning in which a nation will be thrown by the event whichis thus announced.

As a mark of respect to his memory, it is ordered that the ExecutiveMansion and the several Departments at Washington be draped in mourninguntil the close of the day on which the funeral shall take place, andthat all business be suspended on the day of the funeral.

It is further ordered that the War and Navy Departments cause suitablemilitary and naval honors to be paid on the occasion to the memory ofthe eminent citizen whose life is now closed.

U.S. GRANT.

By the President: HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

II. In compliance with the President's instructions, the troops will beparaded at 10 o'clock a.m. on the day after the receipt of this order ateach military post, when the order will be read to them, and the laborsof that day will thereafter cease.

The national flag will be displayed at half-staff.

At dawn of day thirteen guns will be fired, and afterwards at intervalsof thirty minutes between the rising and setting sun a single gun, andat the close of the day a national salute of thirty-seven guns.

The officers of the Army will wear crape on the left arm and on theirswords and the colors of the several regiments will be put in mourningfor the period of thirty days.

By order of the Secretary of War: E.D. TOWNSEND, _Adjutant-General_.

SPECIAL ORDER.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, _Washington, March 9, 1874_.

The President of the United States announces the death of ex-PresidentMillard Fillmore in the following order:

[For order see preceding page.]

In pursuance of the foregoing order, it is hereby directed that theensign at each naval station and of each vessel of the United StatesNavy in commission be hoisted at half-mast from sunrise to sunset, andthat a gun be fired at intervals of every half hour from sunrise tosunset at each naval station and on board of flagships and of vesselsacting singly, on Thursday, the 12th instant, the day of the funeral,where this order may be received in time, otherwise on the day afterits receipt.

The officers of the Navy and Marine Corps will wear the usual badge ofmourning attached to the sword hilt and on the left arm for the periodof thirty days.

GEO. M. ROBESON,

_Secretary of the Navy_.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., May 27, 1874_.

SIR:[82] The President directs me to say that the several Departments ofthe Government will be closed on the 30th instant, in order to enablethe employees to participate in the decoration of the graves of thesoldiers who fell during the rebellion.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

O.E. BABCOCK, _Secretary_.

[Footnote 82: Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments, etc.]

WASHINGTON, _May 29, 1874_.

The Civil Service Commission, at its sessions at Washington, havingrecommended certain rules[83] to be prescribed by the President for thegovernment of the Light-House Service of the United States, these rulesas herewith published are approved, and their provisions will beenforced by the proper officers.

U.S. GRANT.

[Footnote 83: Omitted.]

AUGUST 31, 1874.

It appearing to me from their trial at Washington and at the city of NewYork that the further extension of the civil-service rules will promotethe efficiency of the public service, it is ordered that such rules be,and they are hereby, extended to the several Federal offices at the cityand in the customs district of Boston, and that the proper measures betaken for carrying this order into effect.

U.S. GRANT.

SIXTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 7, 1874_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

Since the convening of Congress one year ago the nation has undergone aprostration in business and industries such as has not been witnessedwith us for many years. Speculation as to the causes for thisprostration might be indulged in without profit, because as manytheories would be advanced as there would be independent writers--thosewho expressed their own views without borrowing--upon the subject.Without indulging in theories as to the cause of this prostration,therefore, I will call your attention only to the fact, and to someplain questions as to which it would seem there should be nodisagreement.

During this prostration two essential elements of prosperity have beenmost abundant--labor and capital. Both have been largely unemployed.Where security has been undoubted, capital has been attainable atvery moderate rates. Where labor has been wanted, it has been foundin abundance, at cheap rates compared with what--of necessaries andcomforts of life--could be purchased with the wages demanded. Two greatelements of prosperity, therefore, have not been denied us. A thirdmight be added: Our soil and climate are unequaled, within the limitsof any contiguous territory under one nationality, for its variety ofproducts to feed and clothe a people and in the amount of surplus tospare to feed less favored peoples. Therefore, with these facts in view,it seems to me that wise statesmanship, at this session of Congress,would dictate legislation ignoring the past; directing in properchannels these great elements of prosperity to any people. Debt, debtabroad, is the only element that can, with always a sound currency,enter into our affairs to cause any continued depression in theindustries and prosperity of our people.

A great conflict for national existence made necessary, fortemporary purposes, the raising of large sums of money from whateversource attainable. It made it necessary, in the wisdom of Congress--andI do not doubt their wisdom in the premises, regarding the necessityof the times--to devise a system of national currency which it provedto be impossible to keep on a par with the recognized currency ofthe civilized world. This begot a spirit of speculation involving anextravagance and luxury not required for the happiness or prosperityof a people, and involving, both directly and indirectly, foreignindebtedness. The currency, being of fluctuating value, and thereforeunsafe to hold for legitimate transactions requiring money, became asubject of speculation within itself. These two causes, however, haveinvolved us in a foreign indebtedness, contracted in good faith byborrower and lender, which should be paid in coin, and according to thebond agreed upon when the debt was contracted--gold or its equivalent.The good faith of the Government can not be violated toward creditorswithout national disgrace. But our commerce should be encouraged;American shipbuilding and carrying capacity increased; foreign marketssought for products of the soil and manufactories, to the end thatwe may be able to pay these debts. Where a new market can be createdfor the sale of our products, either of the soil, the mine, or themanufactory, a new means is discovered of utilizing our idle capital andlabor to the advantage of the whole people. But, in my judgment, thefirst step toward accomplishing this object is to secure a currency offixed, stable value; a currency good wherever civilization reigns; onewhich, if it becomes superabundant with one people, will find a marketwith some other; a currency which has as its basis the labor necessaryto produce it, which will give to it its value. Gold and silver arenow the recognized medium of exchange the civilized world over, and tothis we should return with the least practicable delay. In view of thepledges of the American Congress when our present legal-tender systemwas adopted, and debt contracted, there should be no delay--certainlyno unnecessary delay--in fixing by legislation a method by which wewill return to specie. To the accomplishment of this end I invite yourspecial attention. I believe firmly that there can be no prosperousand permanent revival of business and industries until a policy isadopted--with legislation to carry it out--looking to a return to aspecie basis. It is easy to conceive that the debtor and speculativeclasses may think it of value to them to make so-called money abundantuntil they can throw a portion of their burdens upon others. But eventhese, I believe, would be disappointed in the result if a course shouldbe pursued which will keep in doubt the value of the legal-tender mediumof exchange. A revival of productive industry is needed by all classes;by none more than the holders of property, of whatever sort, with debtsto liquidate from realization upon its sale. But admitting that thesetwo classes of citizens are to be benefited by expansion, would it behonest to give it? Would not the general loss be too great to justifysuch relief? Would it not be just as honest and prudent to authorizeeach debtor to issue his own legal-tenders to the extent of hisliabilities? Than to do this, would it not be safer, for fear ofoverissues by unscrupulous creditors, to say that all debt obligationsare obliterated in the United States, and now we commence anew, eachpossessing all he has at the time free from incumbrance? Thesepropositions are too absurd to be entertained for a moment by thinkingor honest people. Yet every delay in preparation for final resumptionpartakes of this dishonesty, and is only less in degree as the hope isheld out that a convenient season will at last arrive for the good workof redeeming our pledges to commence. It will never come, in my opinion,except by positive action by Congress, or by national disasters whichwill destroy, for a time at least, the credit of the individual and theState at large. A sound currency might be reached by total bankruptcyand discredit of the integrity of the nation and of individuals.I believe it is in the power of Congress at this session to devise suchlegislation as will renew confidence, revive all the industries, startus on a career of prosperity to last for many years and to save thecredit of the nation and of the people. Steps toward the return to aspecie basis are the great requisites to this devoutly to be soughtfor end. There are others which I may touch upon hereafter.

A nation dealing in a currency below that of specie in value laborsunder two great disadvantages: First, having no use for the world'sacknowledged medium of exchange, gold and silver, these are driven outof the country because there is no need for their use; second, themedium of exchange in use being of a fluctuating value--for, after all,it is only worth just what it will purchase of gold and silver, metalshaving an intrinsic value just in proportion to the honest labor ittakes to produce them--a larger margin must be allowed for profit by themanufacturer and producer. It is months from the date of production tothe date of realization. Interest upon capital must be charged, andrisk of fluctuation in the value of that which is to be received inpayment added. Hence high prices, acting as a protection to the foreignproducer, who receives nothing in exchange for the products of his skilland labor except a currency good, at a stable value, the world over.It seems to me that nothing is clearer than that the greater part ofthe burden of existing prostration, for the want of a sound financialsystem, falls upon the working man, who must after all produce thewealth, and the salaried man, who superintends and conducts business.The burden falls upon them in two ways--by the deprivation of employmentand by the decreased purchasing power of their salaries. It is the dutyof Congress to devise the method of correcting the evils which areacknowledged to exist, and not mine. But I will venture to suggest twoor three things which seem to me as absolutely necessary to a return tospecie payments, the first great requisite in a return to prosperity.The legal-tender clause to the law authorizing the issue of currencyby the National Government should be repealed, to take effect as toall contracts entered into after a day fixed in the repealing act--notto apply, however, to payments of salaries by Government, or for otherexpenditures now provided by law to be paid in currency, in the intervalpending between repeal and final resumption. Provision should be madeby which the Secretary of the Treasury can obtain gold as it may becomenecessary from time to time from the date when specie redemptioncommences. To this might and should be added a revenue sufficiently inexcess of expenses to insure an accumulation of gold in the Treasuryto sustain permanent redemption.

I commend this subject to your careful consideration, believing that afavorable solution is attainable, and if reached by this Congress thatthe present and future generations will ever gratefully remember it astheir deliverer from a thraldom of evil and disgrace.

With resumption, free banking may be authorized with safety, giving thesame full protection to bill holders which they have under existinglaws. Indeed, I would regard free banking as essential. It would giveproper elasticity to the currency. As more currency should be requiredfor the transaction of legitimate business, new banks would be started,and in turn banks would wind up their business when it was found thatthere was a superabundance of currency. The experience and judgment ofthe people can best decide just how much currency is required for thetransaction of the business of the country. It is unsafe to leave thesettlement of this question to Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury,or the Executive. Congress should make the regulation under which banksmay exist, but should not make banking a monopoly by limiting the amountof redeemable paper currency that shall be authorized. Such importancedo I attach to this subject, and so earnestly do I commend it to yourattention, that I give it prominence by introducing it at the beginningof this message.

During the past year nothing has occurred to disturb the generalfriendly and cordial relations of the United States with other powers.

The correspondence submitted herewith between this Government and itsdiplomatic representatives, as also with the representatives of othercountries, shows a satisfactory condition of all questions between theUnited States and the most of those countries, and with few exceptions,to which reference is hereafter made, the absence of any points ofdifference to be adjusted.

The notice directed by the resolution of Congress of June 17, 1874,to be given to terminate the convention of July 17, 1858, betweenthe United States and Belgium has been given, and the treaty willaccordingly terminate on the 1st day of July, 1875. This conventionsecured to certain Belgian vessels entering the ports of the UnitedStates exceptional privileges which are not accorded to our own vessels.Other features of the convention have proved satisfactory, and havetended to the cultivation of mutually beneficial commercial intercourseand friendly relations between the two countries. I hope thatnegotiations which have been invited will result in the celebrationof another treaty which may tend to the interests of both countries.

Our relations with China continue to be friendly. During the past yearthe fear of hostilities between China and Japan, growing out of thelanding of an armed force upon the island of Formosa by the latter,has occasioned uneasiness. It is earnestly hoped, however, that thedifficulties arising from this cause will be adjusted, and that theadvance of civilization in these Empires may not be retarded by a stateof war. In consequence of the part taken by certain citizens of theUnited States in this expedition, our representatives in those countrieshave been instructed to impress upon the Governments of China and Japanthe firm intention of this country to maintain strict neutrality in theevent of hostilities, and to carefully prevent any infraction of law onthe part of our citizens.

In connection with this subject I call the attention of Congress toa generally conceded fact--that the great proportion of the Chineseimmigrants who come to our shores do not come voluntarily, to make theirhomes with us and their labor productive of general prosperity, but comeunder contracts with headmen, who own them almost absolutely. In a worseform does this apply to Chinese women. Hardly a perceptible percentageof them perform any honorable labor, but they are brought for shamefulpurposes, to the disgrace of the communities where settled and to thegreat demoralization of the youth of those localities. If this evilpractice can be legislated against, it will be my pleasure as wellas duty to enforce any regulation to secure so desirable an end.

It is hoped that negotiations between the Government of Japan and thetreaty powers, looking to the further opening of the Empire and to theremoval of various restrictions upon trade and travel, may soon producethe results desired, which can not fail to inure to the benefit of allthe parties. Having on previous occasions submitted to the considerationof Congress the propriety of the release of the Japanese Government fromthe further payment of the indemnity under the convention of October 22,1864, and as no action had been taken thereon, it became my duty toregard the obligations of the convention as in force; and as the otherpowers interested had received their portion of the indemnity in full,the minister of the United States in Japan has, in behalf of thisGovernment, received the remainder of the amount due to the UnitedStates under the convention of Simonosaki. I submit the propriety ofapplying the income of a part, if not of the whole, of this fund to theeducation in the Japanese language of a number of young men to be underobligations to serve the Government for a specified time as interpretersat the legation and the consulates in Japan. A limited number ofJapanese youths might at the same time be educated in our ownvernacular, and mutual benefits would result to both Governments.The importance of having our own citizens, competent and familiar withthe language of Japan, to act as interpreters and in other capacitiesconnected with the legation and the consulates in that country can notreadily be overestimated.

The amount awarded to the Government of Great Britain by the mixedcommission organized under the provisions of the treaty of Washington insettlement of the claims of British subjects arising from acts committedbetween April 13, 1861, and April 9, 1865, became payable, under theterms of the treaty, within the past year, and was paid upon the 21stday of September, 1874. In this connection I renew my recommendation,made at the opening of the last session of Congress, that a specialcourt be created to hear and determine all claims of aliens againstthe United States arising from acts committed against their persons orproperty during the insurrection. It appears equitable that opportunityshould be offered to citizens of other states to present their claims,as well as to those British subjects whose claims were not admissibleunder the late commission, to the early decision of some competenttribunal. To this end I recommend the necessary legislation to organizea court to dispose of all claims of aliens of the nature referred to inan equitable and satisfactory manner, and to relieve Congress and theDepartments from the consideration of these questions.

The legislation necessary to extend to the colony of Newfoundlandcertain articles of the treaty of Washington of the 8th day of May,1871, having been had, a protocol to that effect was signed in behalf ofthe United States and of Great Britain on the 28th day of May last, andwas duly proclaimed on the following day. A copy of the proclamation[84]is submitted herewith.

A copy of the report of the commissioner appointed under the act ofMarch 19, 1872, for surveying and marking the boundary between theUnited States and the British possessions from the Lake of the Woods tothe summit of the Rocky Mountains is herewith transmitted. I am happyto announce that the field work of the commission has been completed,and the entire line from the northwest corner of the Lake of the Woodsto the summit of the Rocky Mountains has been run and marked uponthe surface of the earth. It is believed that the amount remainingunexpended of the appropriation made at the last session of Congresswill be sufficient to complete the office work. I recommend that theauthority of Congress be given to the use of the unexpended balance ofthe appropriation in the completion of the work of the commission inmaking its report and preparing the necessary maps.

The court known as the Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims, createdby an act of Congress of the last session, has organized and commencedits work, and it is to be hoped that the claims admissible under theprovisions of the act may be speedily ascertained and paid.

It has been deemed advisable to exercise the discretion conferred uponthe Executive at the last session by accepting the conditions requiredby the Government of Turkey for the privilege of allowing citizens ofthe United States to hold real estate in the former country, and byassenting to a certain change in the jurisdiction of courts in thelatter. A copy of the proclamation[85] upon these subjects is herewithcommunicated.

There has been no material change in our relations with the independentStates of this hemisphere which were formerly under the dominion ofSpain. Marauding on the frontiers between Mexico and Texas stillfrequently takes place, despite the vigilance of the civil and militaryauthorities in that quarter. The difficulty of checking such trespassesalong the course of a river of such length as the Rio Grande, and sooften fordable, is obvious. It is hoped that the efforts of thisGovernment will be seconded by those of Mexico to the effectualsuppression of these acts of wrong.

From a report upon the condition of the business before the American andMexican Joint Claims Commission, made by the agent on the part of theUnited States, and dated October 28, 1874, it appears that of the 1,017claims filed on the part of citizens of the United States, 483 had beenfinally decided and 75 were in the hands of the umpire, leaving 462 tobe disposed of; and of the 998 claims filed against the United States,726 had been finally decided, 1 was before the umpire, and 271 remainedto be disposed of. Since the date of such report other claims have beendisposed of, reducing somewhat the number still pending; and others havebeen passed upon by the arbitrators. It has become apparent, in view ofthese figures and of the fact that the work devolving on the umpire isparticularly laborious, that the commission will be unable to dispose ofthe entire number of claims pending prior to the 1st day of February,1875--the date fixed for its expiration. Negotiations are pendinglooking to the securing of the results of the decisions which have beenreached and to a further extension of the commission for a limited time,which it is confidently hoped will suffice to bring all the business nowbefore it to a final close.

The strife in the Argentine Republic is to be deplored, both on accountof the parties thereto and from the probable effects on the interests ofthose engaged in the trade to that quarter, of whom the United Statesare among the principal. As yet, so far as I am aware, there has been noviolation of our neutrality rights, which, as well as our duties in thatrespect, it shall be my endeavor to maintain and observe.

It is with regret I announce that no further payment has been receivedfrom the Government of Venezuela on account of awards in favor ofcitizens of the United States. Hopes have been entertained that if thatRepublic could escape both foreign and civil war for a few years itsgreat natural resources would enable it to honor its obligations. Thoughit is now understood to be at peace with other countries, a seriousinsurrection is reported to be in progress in an important region ofthat Republic. This may be taken advantage of as another reason to delaythe payment of the dues of our citizens.

The deplorable strife in Cuba continues without any marked changein the relative advantages of the contending forces. The insurrectioncontinues, but Spain has gained no superiority. Six years of strife giveto the insurrection a significance which can not be denied. Its durationand the tenacity of its adherence, together with the absence ofmanifested power of suppression on the part of Spain, can not becontroverted, and may make some positive steps on the part of otherpowers a matter of self-necessity. I had confidently hoped at thistime to be able to announce the arrangement of some of the importantquestions between this Government and that of Spain, but thenegotiations have been protracted. The unhappy intestine dissensions ofSpain command our profound sympathy, and must be accepted as perhapsa cause of some delay. An early settlement, in part at least, of thequestions between the Governments is hoped. In the meantime, awaitingthe results of immediately pending negotiations, I defer a further andfuller communication on the subject of the relations of this countryand Spain.

I have again to call the attention of Congress to the unsatisfactorycondition of the existing laws with reference to expatriation and theelection of nationality. Formerly, amid conflicting opinions anddecisions, it was difficult to exactly determine how far the doctrine ofperpetual allegiance was applicable to citizens of the United States.Congress by the act of the 27th of July, 1868, asserted the abstractright of expatriation as a fundamental principle of this Government.Notwithstanding such assertion and the necessity of frequent applicationof the principle, no legislation has been had defining what acts orformalities shall work expatriation or when a citizen shall be deemedto have renounced or to have lost his citizenship. The importance ofsuch definition is obvious. The representatives of the United States inforeign countries are continually called upon to lend their aid and theprotection of the United States to persons concerning the good faith orthe reality of whose citizenship there is at least great question.In some cases the provisions of the treaties furnish some guide; inothers it seems left to the person claiming the benefits of citizenship,while living in a foreign country, contributing in no manner to theperformance of the duties of a citizen of the United States, and withoutintention at any time to return and undertake those duties, to use theclaims to citizenship of the United States simply as a shield from theperformance of the obligations of a citizen elsewhere.

The status of children born of American parents residing in a foreigncountry, of American women who have married aliens, of American citizensresiding abroad where such question is not regulated by treaty, are allsources of frequent difficulty and discussion. Legislation on theseand similar questions, and particularly defining when and under whatcircumstances expatriation can be accomplished or is to be presumed, isespecially needed. In this connection I earnestly call the attention ofCongress to the difficulties arising from fraudulent naturalization.The United States wisely, freely, and liberally offers its citizenshipto all who may come in good faith to reside within its limits on theircomplying with certain prescribed reasonable and simple formalities andconditions. Among the highest duties of the Government is that to affordfirm, sufficient, and equal protection to all its citizens, whethernative born or naturalized. Care should be taken that a right carryingwith it such support from the Government should not be fraudulentlyobtained, and should be bestowed only upon full proof of a compliancewith the law; and yet frequent instances are brought to the attentionof the Government of illegal and fraudulent naturalization and of theunauthorized use of certificates thus improperly obtained. In some casesthe fraudulent character of the naturalization has appeared upon theface of the certificate itself; in others examination discloses that theholder had not complied with the law, and in others certificates havebeen obtained where the persons holding them not only were not entitledto be naturalized, but had not even been within the United States at thetime of the pretended naturalization. Instances of each of these classesof fraud are discovered at our legations, where the certificates ofnaturalization are presented either for the purpose of obtainingpassports or in demanding the protection of the legation. When the fraudis apparent on the face of such certificates, they are taken up by therepresentatives of the Government and forwarded to the Department ofState. But even then the record of the court in which the fraudulentnaturalization occurred remains, and duplicate certificates are readilyobtainable. Upon the presentation of these for the issue of passports orin demanding protection of the Government, the fraud sometimes escapesnotice, and such certificates are not infrequently used in transactionsof business to the deception and injury of innocent parties. Withoutplacing any additional obstacles in the way of the obtainment ofcitizenship by the worthy and well-intentioned foreigner who comes ingood faith to cast his lot with ours, I earnestly recommend furtherlegislation to punish fraudulent naturalization and to secure the readycancellation of the record of every naturalization made in fraud.

Since my last annual message the exchange has been made of theratification of treaties of extradition with Belgium, Ecuador, Peru, andSalvador; also of a treaty of commerce and navigation with Peru, and oneof commerce and consular privileges with Salvador; all of which havebeen duly proclaimed, as has also a declaration with Russia withreference to trade-marks.

The report of the Secretary of the Treasury, which by law is madedirectly to Congress, and forms no part of this message, will show thereceipts and expenditures of the Government for the last fiscal year,the amount received from each source of revenue, and the amount paidout for each of the Departments of Government, It will be observed fromthis report that the amount of receipts over expenditures has been but$2,344,882.30 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874, and that for thecurrent fiscal year the estimated receipts over expenditures will notmuch exceed $9,000,000. In view of the large national debt existing andthe obligation to add 1 per cent per annum to the sinking fund, a sumamounting now to over $34,000,000 per annum, I submit whether revenuesshould not be increased or expenditures diminished to reach this amountof surplus. Not to provide for the sinking fund is a partial failureto comply with the contracts and obligations of the Government. At thelast session of Congress a very considerable reduction was made in ratesof taxation and in the number of articles submitted to taxation; thequestion may well be asked, whether or not, in some instances, unwisely.In connection with this subject, too, I venture the opinion that themeans of collecting the revenue, especially from imports, have been soembarrassed by legislation as to make it questionable whether or notlarge amounts are not lost by failure to collect, to the direct loss ofthe Treasury and to the prejudice of the interests of honest importersand taxpayers.

The Secretary of the Treasury in his report favors legislation lookingto an early return to specie payments, thus supporting views previouslyexpressed in this message. He also recommends economy in appropriations;calls attention to the loss of revenue from repealing the tax on tea andcoffee, without benefit to the consumer; recommends an increase of 10cents a gallon on whisky, and, further, that no modification be made inthe banking and currency bill passed at the last session of Congress,unless modification should become necessary by reason of the adoptionof measures for returning to specie payments. In these recommendationsI cordially join.

I would suggest to Congress the propriety of readjusting the tariff soas to increase the revenue, and at the same time decrease the number ofarticles upon which duties are levied. Those articles which enter intoour manufactures and are not produced at home, it seems to me, shouldbe entered free. Those articles of manufacture which we produce aconstituent part of, but do not produce the whole, that part which wedo not produce should enter free also. I will instance fine wool, dyes,etc. These articles must be imported to form a part of the manufactureof the higher grades of woolen goods. Chemicals used as dyes, compoundedin medicines, and used in various ways in manufactures come under thisclass. The introduction free of duty of such wools as we do not producewould stimulate the manufacture of goods requiring the use of those wedo produce, and therefore would be a benefit to home production. Thereare many articles entering into "home manufactures" which we do notproduce ourselves the tariff upon which increases the cost of producingthe manufactured article. All corrections in this regard are in thedirection of bringing labor and capital in harmony with each otherand of supplying one of the elements of prosperity so much needed.

The report of the Secretary of War herewith attached, and forming a partof this message, gives all the information concerning the operations,wants, and necessities of the Army, and contains many suggestions andrecommendations which I commend to your special attention.

There is no class of Government employees who are harder worked than theArmy--officers and men; none who perform their tasks more cheerfully andefficiently and under circumstances of greater privations and hardships.

Legislation is desirable to render more efficient this branch of thepublic service. All the recommendations of the Secretary of War I regardas judicious, and I especially commend to your attention the following:The consolidation of Government arsenals; the restoration of mileage toofficers traveling under orders; the exemption of money received fromthe sale of subsistence stores from being covered into the Treasury; theuse of appropriations for the purchase of subsistence stores withoutwaiting for the beginning of the fiscal year for which the appropriationis made; for additional appropriations for the collection of torpedomaterial; for increased appropriations for the manufacture of arms; forrelieving the various States from indebtedness for arms charged to themduring the rebellion; for dropping officers from the rolls of the Armywithout trial for the offense of drawing pay more than once for the sameperiod; for the discouragement of the plan to pay soldiers by check,and for the establishment of a professorship of rhetoric and Englishliterature at West Point. The reasons for these recommendations areobvious, and are set forth sufficiently in the reports attached. I alsorecommend that the status of the staff corps of the Army be fixed,where this has not already been done, so that promotions may be madeand vacancies filled as they occur in each grade when reduced belowthe number to be fixed by law. The necessity for such legislation isspecially felt now in the Pay Department. The number of officers in thatdepartment is below the number adequate to the performance of the dutiesrequired of them by law.

The efficiency of the Navy has been largely increased during the lastyear. Under the impulse of the foreign complications which threatenedus at the commencement of the last session of Congress, most of ourefficient wooden ships were put in condition for immediate service, andthe repairs of our ironclad fleet were pushed with the utmost vigor.The result is that most of these are now in an effective state and needonly to be manned and put in commission to go at once into service.

Some of the new sloops authorized by Congress are already in commission,and most of the remainder are launched and wait only the completion oftheir machinery to enable them to take their places as part of oureffective force.

Two iron torpedo ships have been completed during the last year, andfour of our large double-turreted ironclads are now undergoing repairs.When these are finished, everything that is useful of our Navy, as nowauthorized, will be in condition for service, and with the advance inthe science of torpedo warfare the American Navy, comparatively small asit is, will be found at any time powerful for the purposes of a peacefulnation.

Much has been accomplished during the year in aid of science and toincrease the sum of general knowledge and further the interests ofcommerce and civilization. Extensive and much-needed soundings have beenmade for hydrographic purposes and to fix the proper routes of oceantelegraphs. Further surveys of the great Isthmus have been undertakenand completed, and two vessels of the Navy are now employed, inconjunction with those of England, France, Germany, and Russia, inobservations connected with the transit of Venus, so useful andinteresting to the scientific world.

The estimates for this branch of the public service do not differmaterially from those of last year, those for the general support ofthe service being somewhat less and those for permanent improvementsat the various stations rather larger than the corresponding estimatemade a year ago. The regular maintenance and a steady increase in theefficiency of this most important arm in proportion to the growth ofour maritime intercourse and interests is recommended to the attentionof Congress.

The use of the Navy in time of peace might be further utilized by adirect authorization of the employment of naval vessels in explorationsand surveys of the supposed navigable waters of other nationalitieson this continent, especially the tributaries of the two great riversof South America, the Orinoco and the Amazon. Nothing prevents,under existing laws, such exploration, except that expendituresmust be made in such expeditions beyond those usually provided forin the appropriations. The field designated is unquestionably oneof interest and one capable of large development of commercialinterests--advantageous to the peoples reached and to those whomay establish relations with them.

Education of the people entitled to exercise the right of franchiseI regard essential to general prosperity everywhere, and especially soin republics, where birth, education, or previous condition does notenter into account in giving suffrage. Next to the public school, thepost-office is the great agent of education over our vast territory. Therapidity with which new sections are being settled, thus increasing thecarrying of mails in a more rapid ratio than the increase of receipts,is not alarming. The report of the Postmaster-General herewith attachedshows that there was an increase of revenue in his Department in 1873over the previous year of $1,674,411, and an increase of cost ofcarrying the mails and paying employees of $3,041,468.91. The report ofthe Postmaster-General gives interesting statistics of his Department,and compares them with the corresponding statistics of a year ago,showing a growth in every branch of the Department.

A postal convention has been concluded with New South Wales, an exchangeof postal cards established with Switzerland, and the negotiationspending for several years past with France have been terminated in aconvention with that country, which went into effect last August.

An international postal congress was convened in Berne, Switzerland, inSeptember last, at which the United States was represented by an officerof the Post-Office Department of much experience and of qualificationfor the position. A convention for the establishment of an internationalpostal union was agreed upon and signed by the delegates of thecountries represented, subject to the approval of the proper authoritiesof those countries.

I respectfully direct your attention to the report of thePostmaster-General and to his suggestions in regard to an equitableadjustment of the question of compensation to railroads for carrying themails.

Your attention will be drawn to the unsettled condition of affairs insome of the Southern States.

On the 14th of September last the governor of Louisiana called upon me,as provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States, to aid insuppressing domestic violence in that State. This call was made in viewof a proclamation issued on that day by D.B. Penn, claiming that hewas elected lieutenant-governor in 1872, and calling upon the militiaof the State to arm, assemble, and drive from power the usurpers, ashe designated the officers of the State government. On the next day Iissued my proclamation[1] commanding the insurgents to disperse withinfive days from the date thereof, and subsequently learned that on thatday they had taken forcible possession of the statehouse. Steps weretaken by me to support the existing and recognized State government, butbefore the expiration of the five days the insurrectionary movement waspractically abandoned, and the officers of the State government, withsome minor exceptions, resumed their powers and duties. Consideringthat the present State administration of Louisiana has been the onlygovernment in that State for nearly two years; that it has been tacitlyacknowledged and acquiesced in as such by Congress, and more than onceexpressly recognized by me, I regarded it as my clear duty, when legallycalled upon for that purpose, to prevent its overthrow by an armed mobunder pretense of fraud and irregularity in the election of 1872. I haveheretofore called the attention of Congress to this subject, statingthat on account of the frauds and forgeries committed at said election,and because it appears that the returns thereof were never legallycanvassed, it was impossible to tell thereby who were chosen; but fromthe best sources of information at my command I have always believedthat the present State officers received a majority of the legal votesactually cast at that election. I repeat what I said in my specialmessage of February 23, 1873, that in the event of no action by CongressI must continue to recognize the government heretofore recognized by me.

I regret to say that with preparations for the late election decidedindications appeared in some localities in the Southern States of adetermination, by acts of violence and intimidation, to deprive citizensof the freedom of the ballot because of their political opinions. Bandsof men, masked and armed, made their appearance; White Leagues and othersocieties were formed; large quantities of arms and ammunition wereimported and distributed to these organizations; military drills, withmenacing demonstrations, were held, and with all these murders enoughwere committed to spread terror among those whose political actionwas to be suppressed, if possible, by these intolerant and criminalproceedings. In some places colored laborers were compelled to voteaccording to the wishes of their employers, under threats of dischargeif they acted otherwise; and there are too many instances in which, whenthese threats were disregarded, they were remorselessly executed bythose who made them. I understand that the fifteenth amendment to theConstitution was made to prevent this and a like state of things, andthe act of May 31, 1870, with amendments, was passed to enforce itsprovisions, the object of both being to guarantee to all citizens theright to vote and to protect them in the free enjoyment of that right.Enjoined by the Constitution "to take care that the laws be faithfullyexecuted," and convinced by undoubted evidence that violations of saidact had been committed and that a widespread and flagrant disregard ofit was contemplated, the proper officers were instructed to prosecutethe offenders, and troops were stationed at convenient points to aidthese officers, if necessary, in the performance of their officialduties. Complaints are made of this interference by Federal authority;but if said amendment and act do not provide for such interference underthe circumstances as above stated, then they are without meaning, force,or effect, and the whole scheme of colored enfranchisement is worse thanmockery and little better than a crime. Possibly Congress may find itdue to truth and justice to ascertain, by means of a committee, whetherthe alleged wrongs to colored citizens for political purposes are realor the reports thereof were manufactured for the occasion.

The whole number of troops in the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia,Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas,Mississippi, Maryland, and Virginia at the time of the election was4,082. This embraces the garrisons of all the forts from the Delawareto the Gulf of Mexico.

Another trouble has arisen in Arkansas. Article 13 of the constitutionof that State (which was adopted in 1868, and upon the approval ofwhich by Congress the State was restored to representation as one ofthe States of the Union) provides in effect that before any amendmentsproposed to this constitution shall become a part thereof they shall bepassed by two successive assemblies and then submitted to and ratifiedby a majority of the electors of the State voting thereon. On the 11thof May, 1874, the governor convened an extra session of the generalassembly of the State, which on the 18th of the same month passed an actproviding for a convention to frame a new constitution. Pursuant to thisact, and at an election held on the 30th of June, 1874, the conventionwas approved, and delegates were chosen thereto, who assembled on the14th of last July and framed a new constitution, the schedule of whichprovided for the election of an entire new set of State officers in amanner contrary to the then existing election laws of the State. Onthe 13th of October, 1874, this constitution, as therein provided, wassubmitted to the people for their approval or rejection, and accordingto the election returns was approved by a large majority of thosequalified to vote thereon; and at the same election persons were chosento fill all the State, county, and township offices. The governorelected in 1872 for the term of four years turned over his officeto the governor chosen under the new constitution, whereupon thelieutenant-governor, also elected in 1872 for a term of four years,claiming to act as governor, and alleging that said proceedings by whichthe new constitution was made and a new set of officers elected wereunconstitutional, illegal, and void, called upon me, as provided insection 4, Article IV, of the Constitution, to protect the State againstdomestic violence. As Congress is now investigating the politicalaffairs of Arkansas, I have declined to interfere.

The whole subject of Executive interference with the affairs ofa State is repugnant to public opinion, to the feelings of those who,from their official capacity, must be used in such interposition, and tohim or those who must direct. Unless most clearly on the side of law,such interference becomes a crime; with the law to support it, it iscondemned without a hearing. I desire, therefore, that all necessityfor Executive direction in local affairs may become unnecessary andobsolete. I invite the attention, not of Congress, but of the people ofthe United States, to the causes and effects of these unhappy questions.Is there not a disposition on one side to magnify wrongs and outrages,and on the other side to belittle them or justify them? If publicopinion could be directed to a correct survey of what is and to rebukingwrong and aiding the proper authorities in punishing it, a better stateof feeling would be inculcated, and the sooner we would have that peacewhich would leave the States free indeed to regulate their own domesticaffairs. I believe on the part of our citizens of the SouthernStates--the better part of them--there is a disposition to be lawabiding, and to do no violence either to individuals or to the lawsexisting. But do they do right in ignoring the existence of violenceand bloodshed in resistance to constituted authority? I sympathizewith their prostrate condition, and would do all in my power torelieve them, acknowledging that in some instances they have had mosttrying governments to live under, and very oppressive ones in theway of taxation for nominal improvements, not giving benefits equalto the hardships imposed. But can they proclaim themselves entirelyirresponsible for this condition? They can not. Violence has beenrampant in some localities, and has either been justified or denied bythose who could have prevented it. The theory is even raised that thereis to be no further interference on the part of the General Governmentto protect citizens within a State where the State authorities fail togive protection. This is a great mistake. While I remain Executive allthe laws of Congress and the provisions of the Constitution, includingthe recent amendments added thereto, will be enforced with rigor, butwith regret that they should have added one jot or tittle to Executiveduties or powers. Let there be fairness in the discussion of Southernquestions, the advocates of both or all political parties giving honest,truthful reports of occurrences, condemning the wrong and upholding theright, and soon all will be well. Under existing conditions the negrovotes the Republican ticket because he knows his friends are of thatparty. Many a good citizen votes the opposite, not because he agreeswith the great principles of state which separate parties, but because,generally, he is opposed to negro rule. This is a most delusive cry.Treat the negro as a citizen and a voter, as he is and must remain, andsoon parties will be divided, not on the color line, but on principle.Then we shall have no complaint of sectional interference.

The report of the Attorney-General contains valuable recommendationsrelating to the administration of justice in the courts of the UnitedStates, to which I invite your attention.

I respectfully suggest to Congress the propriety of increasing thenumber of judicial districts in the United States to eleven (the presentnumber being nine) and the creation of two additional judgeships. Theterritory to be traversed by the circuit judges is so great and thebusiness of the courts so steadily increasing that it is growing moreand more impossible for them to keep up with the business requiringtheir attention. Whether this would involve the necessity of adding twomore justices of the Supreme Court to the present number I submit to thejudgment of Congress.

The attention of Congress is invited to the report of the Secretaryof the Interior and to the legislation asked for by him. The domesticinterests of the people are more intimately connected with thisDepartment than with either of the other Departments of Government.Its duties have been added to from time to time until they have becomeso onerous that without the most perfect system and order it will beimpossible for any Secretary of the Interior to keep trace of allofficial transactions having his sanction and done in his name, andfor which he is held personally responsible.

The policy adopted for the management of Indian affairs, known as thepeace policy, has been adhered to with most beneficial results. It isconfidently hoped that a few years more will relieve our frontiers fromdanger of Indian depredations.

I commend the recommendation of the Secretary for the extensionof the homestead laws to the Indians and for some sort of Territorialgovernment for the Indian Territory. A great majority of the Indiansoccupying this Territory are believed yet to be incapable of maintainingtheir rights against the more civilized and enlightened white man. AnyTerritorial form of government given them, therefore, should protectthem in their homes and property for a period of at least twenty years,and before its final adoption should be ratified by a majority of thoseaffected.

The report of the Secretary of the Interior herewith attached gives muchinteresting statistical information, which I abstain from giving anabstract of, but refer you to the report itself.

The act of Congress providing the oath which pensioners mustsubscribe to before drawing their pensions cuts off from this bountya few survivors of the War of 1812 residing in the Southern States.I recommend the restoration of this bounty to all such. The number ofpersons whose names would thus be restored to the list of pensioners isnot large. They are all old persons, who could have taken no part in therebellion, and the services for which they were awarded pensions were indefense of the whole country.

The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture herewith containssuggestions of much interest to the general public, and refers to theapproaching Centennial and the part his Department is ready to takein it. I feel that the nation at large is interested in having thisexposition a success, and commend to Congress such action as will securea greater general interest in it. Already many foreign nations havesignified their intention to be represented at it, and it may beexpected that every civilized nation will be represented.

The rules adopted to improve the civil service of the Government havebeen adhered to as closely as has been practicable with the oppositionwith which they meet. The effect, I believe, has been beneficial onthe whole, and has tended to the elevation of the service. But it isimpracticable to maintain them without direct and positive support ofCongress. Generally the support which this reform receives is fromthose who give it their support only to find fault when the rules areapparently departed from. Removals from office without preferringcharges against parties removed are frequently cited as departures fromthe rules adopted, and the retention of those against whom charges aremade by irresponsible persons and without good grounds is also oftencondemned as a violation of them. Under these circumstances, therefore,I announce that if Congress adjourns without positive legislation onthe subject of "civil-service reform" I will regard such action as adisapproval of the system, and will abandon it, except so far as torequire examinations for certain appointees, to determine theirfitness. Competitive examinations will be abandoned.

The gentlemen who have given their services, without compensation, asmembers of the board to devise rules and regulations for the governmentof the civil service of the country have shown much zeal and earnestnessin their work, and to them, as well as to myself, it will be a sourceof mortification if it is to be thrown away. But I repeat that it isimpossible to carry this system to a successful issue without generalapproval and assistance and positive law to support it.

I have stated that three elements of prosperity to the nation--capital,labor, skilled and unskilled, and products of the soil--still remainwith us. To direct the employment of these is a problem deserving themost serious attention of Congress. If employment can be given to allthe labor offering itself, prosperity necessarily follows. I haveexpressed the opinion, and repeat it, that the first requisite to theaccomplishment of this end is the substitution of a sound currencyin place of one of a fluctuating value. This secured, there are manyinterests that might be fostered to the great profit of both labor andcapital. How to induce capital to employ labor is the question. Thesubject of cheap transportation has occupied the attention of Congress.Much new light on this question will without doubt be given by thecommittee appointed by the last Congress to investigate and report uponthis subject.

A revival of shipbuilding, and particularly of iron steamship building,is of vast importance to our national prosperity. The United Statesis now paying over $100,000,000 per annum for freights and passage onforeign ships--to be carried abroad and expended in the employmentand support of other peoples--beyond a fair percentage of what shouldgo to foreign vessels, estimating on the tonnage and travel of eachrespectively. It is to be regretted that this disparity in the carryingtrade exists, and to correct it I would be willing to see a greatdeparture from the usual course of Government in supporting what mightusually be termed private enterprise. I would not suggest as a remedydirect subsidy to American steamship lines, but I would suggest thedirect offer of ample compensation for carrying the mails betweenAtlantic Seaboard cities and the Continent on American-owned andAmerican-built steamers, and would extend this liberality to vesselscarrying the mails to South American States and to Central America andMexico, and would pursue the same policy from our Pacific seaports toforeign seaports on the Pacific. It might be demanded that vessels builtfor this service should come up to a standard fixed by legislation intonnage, speed, and all other qualities, looking to the possibility ofGovernment requiring them at some time for war purposes. The right alsoof taking possession of them in such emergency should be guarded.

I offer these suggestions, believing them worthy of consideration, inall seriousness, affecting all sections and all interests alike. Ifanything better can be done to direct the country into a course ofgeneral prosperity, no one will be more ready than I to second the plan.

Forwarded herewith will be found the report of the commissionersappointed under an act of Congress approved June 20, 1874, to wind upthe affairs of the District government. It will be seen from the reportthat the net debt of the District of Columbia, less securities on handand available, is:

Less special-improvement assessments (chargeable to private property) in excess of any demand against such assessments $1,614,054.37 Less Chesapeake and Ohio Canal bonds 75,000.00 And Washington and Alexandria Railroad bonds 59,000.00 _____________ In the hands of the commissioners of the sinking fund 1,748,054.37 _____________ Leaving actual debt, less said assets 13,994,613.24

In addition to this there are claims preferred against the government ofthe District amounting, in the estimated aggregate reported by the boardof audit, to $3,147,787.48, of which the greater part will probably berejected. This sum can with no more propriety be included in the debtaccount of the District government than can the thousands of claimsagainst the General Government be included as a portion of the nationaldebt. But the aggregate sum thus stated includes something more than thefunded debt chargeable exclusively to the District of Columbia. The actof Congress of June 20, 1874, contemplates an apportionment between theUnited States Government and the District of Columbia in respect of thepayment of the principal and interest of the 3.65 bonds. Therefore incomputing with precision the bonded debt of the District the aggregatesums above stated as respects 3.65 bonds now issued, the outstandingcertificates of the board of audit, and the unadjusted claims pendingbefore that board should be reduced to the extent of the amount to beapportioned to the United States Government in the manner indicated inthe act of Congress of June 20, 1874.

I especially invite your attention to the recommendations of thecommissioners of the sinking fund relative to the ambiguity of the actof June 20, 1874, the interest on the District bonds, and theconsolidation of the indebtedness of the District.

I feel much indebted to the gentlemen who consented to leave theirprivate affairs and come from a distance to attend to the business ofthis District, and for the able and satisfactory manner in which it hasbeen conducted. I am sure their services will be equally appreciated bythe entire country.

It will be seen from the accompanying full report of the board of healththat the sanitary condition of the District is very satisfactory.

In my opinion the District of Columbia should be regarded as the groundsof the national capital, in which the entire people are interested. I donot allude to this to urge generous appropriations to the District, butto draw the attention of Congress, in framing a law for the governmentof the District, to the magnificent scale on which the city was plannedby the founders of the Government; the manner in which, for ornamentalpurposes, the reservations, streets, and avenues were laid out, and theproportion of the property actually possessed by the General Government.I think the proportion of the expenses of the government andimprovements to be borne by the General Government, the cities ofWashington and Georgetown, and the county should be carefully andequitably defined.

In accordance with section 3, act approved June 23, 1874, I appointed aboard to make a survey of the mouth of the Mississippi River with a viewto determine the best method of obtaining and maintaining a depth ofwater sufficient for the purposes of commerce, etc.; and in accordancewith an act entitled "An act to provide for the appointment of acommission of engineers to investigate and report a permanent plan forthe reclamation of the alluvial basin of the Mississippi River subjectto inundation," I appointed a commission of engineers. Neither board hasyet completed its labors. When their reports are received, they will beforwarded to Congress without delay.

U.S. GRANT.

[Footnote 84: See pp. 273-276.]

[Footnote 85: See pp. 277-281.]

[Footnote 86: See pp. 276-277.]

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

WASHINGTON, _December 8, 1874_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 3d of February, 1873,I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, together withthe papers[87] which accompanied it.

U.S. GRANT.

[Footnote 87: Dispatches in regard to the records and public documentsof the Mexican Government relative to the lands embraced within theTerritories of Arizona and New Mexico.]

WASHINGTON, _December 8, 1874_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification,a convention between the United States of America and the OttomanEmpire, relative to the extradition of criminals fugitives from justice,signed by their respective plenipotentiaries at Constantinople on the11th of August last.

U.S. GRANT.

WASHINGTON, _December 8, 1874_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification,a convention concluded between the United States of America and theMexican Republic on the 20th of November last, for further extending thetime for the duration of the joint commission respecting claims,originally fixed by the convention between the United States and Mexicosigned on the 4th of July, 1868, and extended by those of the 19th ofApril, 1871, and 27th of November, 1872, between the same parties.

U.S. GRANT.

WASHINGTON, _December 8, 1874_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I transmit to the Senate, for consideration with a view to ratification,a convention between the United States of America and the OttomanEmpire, relative to the naturalization of citizens and subjects of thetwo countries, signed by their respective plenipotentiaries atConstantinople on the 11th of August last. A copy of the correspondencewhich accompanied the convention on the subject is herewith transmitted.

U.S. GRANT.

WASHINGTON, _December 8, 1874_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a report, dated the 8th instant, with accompanyingpapers,[88] from the Secretary of State, in compliance with therequirements of section 208 of the Revised Statutes of the UnitedStates.

U.S. GRANT.

[Footnote 88: Report of fees collected, etc., by consular officers ofthe United States for 1873, list of consular officers, and tariff ofconsular fees prescribed by the President September 1, 1874.]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 22, 1874_.

The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of Congress,a memorial[89] forwarded to me by a convention of colored citizensassembled in the city of Montgomery, Ala., on the 2d of this month.

U.S. GRANT.

[Footnote 89: Asking all the rights of citizenship.]

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 5, 1875_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 21st December last,requesting the return of its resolution of the 17th of the same month,advising and consenting to the appointment of J.C.S. Colby to be consulof the United States at Chin-Kiang, I have the honor to state thatMr. Colby's commission was signed on the 17th day of December, andupon inquiry at the Department of State it was found that it had beenforwarded to him by mail before the receipt of the resolution of recall.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 12, 1875_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

In accordance with the requirements of the joint resolution approvedMarch 25, 1874, authorizing an inquiry into and report upon the causesof epidemic cholera, I have the honor to transmit herewith reports uponthe subject from the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments.

U.S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 13, 1875_.

_To the Senate of the United States_:

I have the honor to make the following answer to a Senate resolution ofthe 8th instant, asking for information as to any interference by anymilitary officer or any part of the Army of the United States with theorganization or proceedings of the general assembly of the State ofLouisiana, or either branch thereof; and also inquiring in regard to theexistence of armed organizations in that State hostile to the governmentthereof and intent on overturning such government by force.

To say that lawlessness, turbulence, and bloodshed have characterizedthe political affairs of that State since its reorganization under thereconstruction acts is only to repeat what has become well known as apart of its unhappy history; but it may be proper here to refer to theelection of 1868, by which the Republican vote of the State, throughfraud and violence, was reduced to a few thousands, and the bloody riotsof 1866 and 1868, to show that the disorders there are not due to anyrecent causes or to any late action of the Federal authorities.

Preparatory to the election of 1872 a shameful and undisguisedconspiracy was formed to carry that election against the Republicans,without regard to law or right, and to that end the most glaring fraudsand forgeries were committed in the returns, after many colored citizenshad been denied registration and others deterred by fear from castingtheir ballots.

When the time came for a final canvass of the votes, in view of theforegoing facts William P. Kellogg, the Republican candidate forgovernor, brought suit upon the equity side of the United States circuitcourt for Louisiana, and against Warmoth and others, who had obtainedpossession of the returns of the election, representing that severalthousand voters of the State had been deprived of the elective franchiseon account of their color, and praying that steps might be taken tohave said votes counted and for general relief. To enable the court toinquire as to the truth of these allegations, a temporary restrainingorder was issued against the defendants, which was at once whollydisregarded and treated with contempt by those to whom it was directed.These proceedings have been widely denounced as an unwarrantableinterference by the Federal judiciary with the election of Stateofficers; but it is to be remembered that by the fifteenth amendment tothe Constitution of the United States the political equality of coloredcitizens is secured, and under the second section of that amendment,providing that Congress shall have power to enforce its provisions byappropriate legislation, an act was passed on the 31st of May, 1870,and amended in 1871, the object of which was to prevent the denialor abridgment of suffrage to citizens on account of race, color, orprevious condition of servitude; and it has been held by all the Federaljudges before whom the question has arisen, including Justice Strong, ofthe Supreme Court, that the protection afforded by this amendment andthese acts extends to State as well as other elections. That it is theduty of the Federal courts to enforce the provisions of the Constitutionof the United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof is tooclear for controversy.

Section 15 of said act, after numerous provisions therein to prevent anevasion of the fifteenth amendment, provides that the jurisdiction ofthe circuit court of the United States shall extend to all cases inlaw or equity arising under the provisions of said act and of the actamendatory thereof. Congress seems to have contemplated equitable aswell as legal proceedings to prevent the denial of suffrage to coloredcitizens; and it may be safely asserted that if Kellogg's bill in theabove-named case did not present a case for the equitable interpositionof the court, that no such case can arise under the act. That the courtsof the United States have the right to interfere in various ways withState elections so as to maintain political equality and rights therein,irrespective of race or color, is comparatively a new, and to some seemsto be a startling, idea, but it results as clearly from the fifteenthamendment to the Constitution and the acts that have been passed toenforce that amendment as the abrogation of State laws upholding slaveryresults from the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution. While thejurisdiction of the court in the case of Kellogg _vs_. Warmoth andothers is clear to my mind, it seems that some of the orders made by thejudge in that and the kindred case of Antoine were illegal. But whilethey are so held and considered, it is not to be forgotten that themandate of his court had been contemptuously defied, and they were madewhile wild scenes of anarchy were sweeping away all restraint of lawand order. Doubtless the judge of this court made grave mistakes; butthe law allows the chancellor great latitude, not only in punishingthose who contemn his orders and injunctions, but in preventing theconsummation of the wrong which he has judicially forbidden. Whatevermay be said or thought of those matters, it was only made known to methat process of the United States court was resisted, and as said actespecially provides for the use of the Army and Navy when necessary toenforce judicial process arising thereunder, I considered it my dutyto see that such process was executed according to the judgment ofthe court.

Resulting from these proceedings, through various controversies andcomplications, a State administration was organized with William P.Kellogg as governor, which, in the discharge of my duty under section 4,Article IV, of the Constitution, I have recognized as the government ofthe State.

It has been bitterly and persistently alleged that Kellogg was notelected. Whether he was or not is not altogether certain, nor is it anymore certain that his competitor, McEnery, was chosen. The electionwas a gigantic fraud, and there are no reliable returns of its result.Kellogg obtained possession of the office, and in my opinion has moreright to it than his competitor.

On the 20th of February, 1873, the Committee on Privileges and Electionsof the Senate made a report in which they say they were satisfied bytestimony that the manipulation of the election machinery by Warmoth andothers was equivalent to 20,000 votes; and they add that to recognizethe McEnery government "would be recognizing a government based uponfraud, in defiance of the wishes and intention of the voters of theState." Assuming the correctness of the statements in this report (andthey seem to have been generally accepted by the country), the greatcrime in Louisiana, about which so much has been said, is that one isholding the office of governor who was cheated out of 20,000 votes,against another whose title to the office is undoubtedly based on fraud